When it comes to choosing the perfect spot for your honeymoon or destination wedding, the opportunities are endless. This year, we are seeing couples gravitate towards locations that allow them to connect to new cultures and to themselves. In this Wedding Trends Look Book highlight, we’re breaking down the 2023 travel trends so read on for tips on how to plan your perfect adventure.
Travel has returned substantially and is surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Couples are checking items off their bucket lists left and right while diving into adventures near and far. The previous two years have shown us how precious exploring the world can be, and people aren’t taking it for granted any longer.
After celebrations have been on hold, the 2022 wedding boom took off with an influx of destination weddings. Some travelers chose a location abroad due to a lack of venue availability in their hometowns. For others, it was a desire to bring family and friends together for an extended vacation. Guest experience is top of mind as couples design multi-day events for all attendees. You might begin the festivities with a welcome dinner paired with a locally-inspired tequila tasting. The next morning, plan a rejuvenating activity such as a sunrise yoga session before the wedding festivities begin. The morning after, host a memorable brunch in a lively atmosphere before guests venture off on their own excursions.
This year, destination weddings are pushing the envelope with couples seeking captivating locations across the globe. And these celebrations aren’t only for the beach anymore. Glamorous vows in New York City make for a high-velocity weekend with endless photo ops. Imagine yourself in the rainforest for an eco-friendly ceremony in the lush setting of Peru. Host a gastronomic meal with farm-to-table fare while supporting the local community.
With the unprecedented amount of weddings this past year comes an influx of honeymoons. Last year we saw couples sprinkling in small domestic vacations in their travels throughout the year. For 2023 travel trends, travelers are enjoying elongated and more grand getaways with distinct immersive opportunities.
The option to work from anywhere and a pent-up travel budget give couples more options for extended stays that can’t be done over a long weekend. Witness the soaring landscapes of the Serengeti on an epic once-in-a-lifetime safari. Migrate through the romantic cities of Amsterdam, Paris, and Venice on luxury overnight trains. Taste exotic dishes on a foodie tour throughout Asia, and end the trip with an up close and personal visit with elephants at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Independent boutique hotels, artisan-made pottery pieces, and carbon-neutral locations are popping up on Pinterest boards everywhere. Honeymooners are steering away from singular experiences at secluded resorts and searching for authentic exploration with the locals. Being conscious of the environmental impact of tourism is key for an “eco-moon”.
Sustainability is top of mind for the next generation of sojourners. Supporting local artists, taking an in-home cooking course, and staying at unique properties that focus on renewable energy are ways to reduce your carbon footprint when traveling. No matter where finding the people and heritage that make your destination unique will leave you feeling fulfilled and connected with the location and your partner.
